India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to speak to both houses of the U.S. Congress next month during his first state visit to the United States.

Mr. Singh's visit and July 19 speech come amid strengthening relations between the two countries. The prime minister, who is to visit Washington at the invitation of President Bush, intends to discuss nuclear cooperation, space, technology, and reforms at the United Nations with U.S. officials.

It is rare for foreign leaders and dignitaries to address joint meetings of Congress. Since 1824, only 97 such speeches have taken place, the most recent in April by Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko.